The Edge of Recall

ďThen you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.ĒóJohn 8:32

The Edge of Recall, like Kristen Heitzmannís other novels, invites the reader beyond the often predictable storyline of Christian fiction into a world of mystery, intrigue, and romance. With unique characters and plot twists that keep the reader engaged and guessing, The Edge of Recall is one of her finest suspense novels yet.

Tessa Young, a talented but troubled landscape architect, has built her career by constructing elaborate gardens and meditative labyrinths for the rich. While these labyrinths are her passion, they are also tied to her recurring nightmares and the fragmented memories of her past, which she canít forget or comprehend. When Smith Chandler, a college acquaintance with whom her friendship was bitterly ended, reappears in her life, sheís ready to slam the door in his faceóuntil he offers her the project of her dreams. Given the opportunity to reconstruct a colonial-era labyrinth, she canít say no. Yet, beneath the labyrinth lurks a secret which changes Smith and Tessa forever.

Heitzmannís cast of characters is real and inviting. Tessa, in particular, is a character whom many female readers will find a kindred spirit. Like so many, she is crippled by her fear of rejection. Yet, she remains a successful and compassionate woman, as well. Smith is an amiable Brit recently recommitted to God and baffled by Tessaís unpredictable temper. Beside them stands Smithís charming co-worker Bair, an ex-rugby player paralyzed by the thought of a date. Cast against them is the odious Rumer Gaston, a casino owner with plenty of money, but deficit of humanity. With swift-moving and witty dialogue, Heitzmann brings each of her characters, good and bad, to life, evoking tenderness, humor, and fear. Through the relationships between the characters, Heitzmann touches on the importance of love and forgiveness, commitment and trust.

The novelís setting dances from Maryland to Nevada to Colorado, each setting splashed with local color. Readers are invited to savor southern crab cakes, bask in a luxurious casino, and rest in the Rocky Mountainsí embrace. Heitzmann never lets her readers get bored but provides a winding plot and an emotional journey that keep the pages turning. The Edge of Recall offers spiritual encouragement along with suspense as each of the main characters unfolds in his or her understanding of God. Heitzmann does an excellent job of showing through her characters how large the gap is between believing in ďa godĒ and having an intimate relationship with Christ.

One of the novelís most prominent themes is the importance of truth. Because of the ambiguities of Tessaís past, she is unable to love or trust. It is only after she uncovers the reason for her recurring nightmares and her fatherís disappearance during her childhood that Tessa is free to live. Smith must experience a truer revelation of Godís love before he finds his heart complete. Heitzmann subtly and skillfully weaves a story that reflects Godís redemptive heart and abilities. The Edge of Recall will draw a sigh of contentment when the last pages flutter shut, making it more than worth its price. -- Lauren M. Peltier, ChristianBookPreviews.com

Book Jacket:

Tessa Young is a landscape architect who specializes in the design and creation of labyrinths. For years she has immersed herself in the healing aspects of these elaborate structures, searching for God and hoping to make sense of the nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.

When Smith Chandler, a colleague who once betrayed her, offers an opportunity to reconstruct a remarkable Colonial-era labyrinth, she can't resist this project of a lifetime. But one evening, as dusk falls, an assailant ambushes Tessa and Smith and the real nightmare begins.